The Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Training and Combined Exercise Modalities on Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Effect of resistance training volume on body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation in postmenopausal and older females: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

This meta-analytical study aimed to explore the effects of resistance training (RT) volume on body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation in postmenopausal and older females.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed for randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO. Randomized controlled trials with postmenopausal and older females that compared RT effects on body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation with a control group (CG) were included. Independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted the data, and performed the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)) evaluations. Total body and abdominal adiposity, blood lipids, glucose, and C-reactive protein were included for meta-analysis. A random-effects model, standardized mean difference (Hedges' g), and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty randomized controlled trials (overall risk of bias: some concerns; GRADE: low to very low) with overweight/obese postmenopausal and older females were included. RT groups were divided into low-volume RT (LVRT, ∼44 sets/week) and high-volume RT (HVRT, ∼77 sets/week). Both RT groups presented improved body adiposity, metabolic risk, and inflammation when compared to CG. However, HVRT demonstrated higher effect sizes than LVRT for glucose (HVRT = -1.19; 95%CI: -1.63 to -0.74; LVRT = -0.78; 95%CI:-1.15 to -0.41) and C-reactive protein (HVRT = -1.00; 95%CI: -1.32 to -0.67; LVRT = -0.34; 95%CI, -0.63 to -0.04)) when compared to CG.

CONCLUSION

Compared to CG, HVRT protocols elicit greater improvements in metabolic risk and inflammation outcomes than LVRT in overweight/obese postmenopausal and older females.

Resistance Exercise Training in Individuals With and Without Cardiovascular Disease: 2023 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Resistance training not only can improve or maintain muscle mass and strength, but also has favorable physiological and clinical effects on cardiovascular disease and risk factors. This scientific statement is an update of the previous (2007) American Heart Association scientific statement regarding resistance training and cardiovascular disease. Since 2007, accumulating evidence suggests resistance training is a safe and effective approach for improving cardiovascular health in adults with and without cardiovascular disease. This scientific statement summarizes the benefits of resistance training alone or in combination with aerobic training for improving traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. We also address the utility of resistance training for promoting cardiovascular health in varied healthy and clinical populations. Because less than one-third of US adults report participating in the recommended 2 days per week of resistance training activities, this scientific statement provides practical strategies for the promotion and prescription of resistance training.

Efficacy and feasibility of aerobic exercise interventions as an adjunctive treatment for patients with schizophrenia: a meta-Analysis

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder primarily treated with antipsychotics, which have limited efficacy for negative symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of exercise interventions as adjuncts to pharmacotherapy through a meta-analysis, providing valuable insights for rational intervention design. Four databases were searched, and randomized controlled trials with no language restrictions published up to March 27, 2023, were included. The primary outcome indicator was the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) total score along with its three sub-scales. Secondary outcomes included the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and Body Mass Index (BMI), which were used to assess the efficacy of aerobic exercise interventions in patients with schizophrenia. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the impact of intervention duration and total weekly exercise time, while treatment feasibility was assessed through adherence rates. A total of 17 publications involving 973 patients with schizophrenia were deemed eligible and included in the analysis. Compared to other forms of adjunctive interventions, the network meta-analysis of 12 PANSS-based studies revealed that adjunctive aerobic exercise interventions were the most effective in reducing overall PANSS scores in patients with schizophrenia, with statistically significant pooled results (MD = -4.84, 95% CI: -5.72, -3.96). Both the PANSS negative symptom subscale (MD = -2.11, 95% CI: -3.26, -0.95) and SANS (MD = -9.11, 95% CI: -11.94, -6.27) indicated that adjunctive aerobic exercise interventions effectively alleviate negative symptoms. Subgroup meta-analysis indicated that 2-3 month interventions involving 100-220 min of exercise per week were the most effective. Additionally, adherence to the adjunctive aerobic exercise regimen was found to be comparable to that of conventional treatment alone. Aerobic exercise interventions, as adjunctive therapy, are an effective measure for reducing PANSS scores in patients with schizophrenia, contributing to the alleviation of both the positive and negative symptoms, and patients demonstrated strong adherence to aerobic exercise.

Feasibility of Different Exercise Modalities for Community-Dwelling Residents With Physical Inactivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Exercise interventions can promote health, but they can be difficult to implement. Moreover, no consensus has been reached regarding which exercise modality promotes the most significant improvement in metabolic health.

PURPOSE

This feasibility study was conducted to (a) determine the implementation efficacy of supervised and home-based exercise interventions by investigating their respective rates of intervention adherence, adherence to targeted intensity, attrition, and adverse events and (b) explore the preliminary efficacy of 12-week exercise programs among aerobic exercise, aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise, and high-intensity interval training on body composition, anthropometric parameters, and lipid profiles for community-dwelling residents with physical inactivity.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted from April to October 2020. Seventy-two sedentary participants aged 40-70 years were enrolled and randomized into one of four groups: 12-week aerobic exercise, aerobic exercise combined with resistance exercise, high-intensity interval training, and control. The three exercise groups performed at least moderate-intensity supervised exercise twice a week and home-based exercise once a week, whereas the control group maintained their usual daily activities. The target variables, including body composition, anthropometric parameters, and lipid profiles, were measured before and after the 12-week intervention.

RESULTS

The intervention adherence rates were 74.01%-87.54% for the supervised exercise group, 64.98%-83.90% for the home-based exercise group, and 82.65%-92.65% for the target exercise intensity group. The attrition rate ranged from 12.50% to 17.65%, and no adverse events were reported in any of the exercise groups. Preliminary efficacy data show the reductions in body weight (95% CI [0.01, 1.20], p = .048) and low-density lipoprotein (95% CI [2.76, 30.32], p = .02) were greater in the exercise groups than the control group, although the intergroup differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Body weight and low-density lipoprotein may be efficiently reduced in a 12-week period using any of the three exercise modalities with at least 82.65% adherence to moderate-intensity exercise and 70.84% adherence to exercising 3 times a week.

Associations of objectively measured physical activity, sedentary time and cardiorespiratory fitness with adipose tissue insulin resistance and ectopic fat

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Inadequate movement, excess adiposity, and insulin resistance augment cardiometabolic risk. This study examined the associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), with adipose tissue insulin resistance and ectopic fat.

METHODS

Data were combined from two previous experimental studies with community volunteers (n = 141, male = 60%, median (interquartile range) age = 37 (19) years, body mass index (BMI) = 26.1 (6.3) kg·m-2). Adipose tissue insulin resistance was assessed using the adipose tissue insulin resistance index (Adipo-IR); whilst magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure liver, visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (ScAT). Sedentary time and MVPA were measured via an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer. Generalized linear models examined the association of CRF, MVPA, and sedentary time with Adipo-IR and fat depots. Interaction terms explored the moderating influence of age, sex, BMI and CRF.

RESULTS

After controlling for BMI and cardiometabolic variables, sedentary time was positively associated with Adipo-IR (β = 0.68 AU [95%CI = 0.27 to 1.10], P < 0.001). The association between sedentary time and Adipo-IR was moderated by age, CRF and BMI; such that it was stronger in individuals who were older, had lower CRF and had a higher BMI. Sedentary time was also positively associated with VAT (β = 0.05 L [95%CI = 0.01 to 0.08], P = 0.005) with the relationship being stronger in females than males. CRF was inversely associated with VAT (β = -0.02 L [95%CI = -0.04 to -0.01], P = 0.003) and ScAT (β = -0.10 L [95%CI = -0.13 to -0.06], P < 0.001); with sex and BMI moderating the strength of associations with VAT and ScAT, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Sedentary time is positively associated with adipose tissue insulin resistance which regulates lipogenesis and lipolysis. CRF is independently related to central fat storage which is a key risk factor for cardiometabolic disease.

The effect of TRX, combined with vibration training, on BMI, the body fat percentage, myostatin and follistatin, the strength endurance and layup shot skills of female basketball players

Introduction

Trx Vibration Training (TVT) focuses on using the entire body weight in combination with vibration. While research has separately examined TRX training and vibration training, there is limited literature on the combined effects of these two methods specifically for female individuals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the impact of combining TRX and vibration training (TVT) on various factors including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), myostatin (MSTN), follistatin (FLST), endurance, and Lay up shooting skills of female basketball players. By addressing this research gap, we aim to shed light on the potential benefits of incorporating TRX and vibration exercises into the training regimen of female basketball players.

Method

The study sample comprised 24 female players who were divided into two groups of equal size, with each group consisting of 12 female players: the experimental group (n = 12, age = 19.17 ± 0.68 years, height = 168.33 ± 0.89 cm, weight = 67.00 ± 2.17 kg, training age = 4.54 ± 0.45 years) and the control group (n = 12, age = 19.33 ± 0.78 years, height = 168.08 ± 2.02 cm, weight = 67.33 ± 1.50 kg, training age = 4.58 ± 0.52 years). The experimental method was employed in the study. For eight weeks, the program was used (TVT), with the experimental group participants completing three training sessions each week. The TVT training lasted between 30 and 45 min, out of the overall training session time, which ranged from 90 to 120 min. The control group used a conventional program without Trx Vibration training. Study variables were evaluated before and after the intervention, and a two-way ANOVA was used for repeated measures.

Results

The results of the study showed the superiority of the experimental group over the control group in BMI (p = 0.037, [d] = 0.64), BFP (p = 0.001, [d] = 2.97), FLST levels (p = 0.029, [d] = 0.68), MSTN (p = 0.001, [d] = 2.04), endurance (CMS) (p = 0.001, [d] = 4.56), and Lay up skill Y (s) (p = 0.001, [d] = 4.27), Y (sc) (p = 0.012, [d] = 4.27).

Conclusion

The results showed that, when comparing the two groups, the TVT program significantly improved the study's variables. Basketball players' motor abilities and skill performance improved after eight weeks of training, and coaches are advised to take this into account when developing seasonal training plans.

Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training with Caloric Restriction Reduces Insulin Resistance in Obese Premenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives: Obese premenopausal women are at high risk of developing insulin resistance (IR). Concurrent aerobic and strength training (CAST) has been shown to provide remarkable advantages, yet its effects, along with caloric restriction in such a high-risk population, are not yet established. This study aimed to investigate the impact of concurrent aerobic and strength training with caloric restriction (CAST-CR) on IR in obese premenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Forty-two obese premenopausal women with reported IR, aged 40-50 years, were randomly allocated to either the (CAST-CR) intervention group, who underwent CAST with caloric restriction, or the (AT-CR) control group, who received aerobic training in addition to caloric restriction. Both groups completed 12 weeks of controlled training with equivalent training time. Aerobic training began at 60% and gradually progressed to achieve 75% of the maximum heart rate, while strength training was executed at 50% to 70% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM). Anthropometric measures, abdominal adiposity, metabolic parameters, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were evaluated prior to and following the intervention. Results: Both groups experienced a substantial enhancement in the selected parameters compared to the baseline (p < 0.001), with higher improvement within the CAST-CR group. The changes in HOMA-IR were -1.24 (95%CI, -1.37 to -1.12) in the CAST-CR group vs. -1.07 (95%CI, -1.19 to -0.94) in the AT-CR group. Conclusions: While AT-CR improved insulin sensitivity in premenopausal women who were obese and hyperinsulinemic, CAST with calorie restriction improved insulin sensitivity more significantly, suggesting it as a preferable alternative.

Comparative effectiveness of school-based exercise interventions on physical fitness in children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Schools provide a favorable setting for health education, however, the most effective school-based exercise mode for improving physical fitness remains unclear. This network meta-analysis was designed to assess and rank the comparative efficacy of six exercise modalities on physical fitness indicators in a school-based setting.

Methods

An online search of the Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus databases was conducted. Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials were considered. Outcomes included measures of anthropometry and body composition, muscular fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Data were pooled with a random effects model using the frequentist framework.

Results

A total of 66 studies with 8,578 participants (48% girls) were included. High-intensity interval training was the most effective intervention reducing body mass index (mean difference (MD) = -0.60 kg·m^-2, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = -1.04 to -0.15, p = 0.009), elevating VO_2max (MD = 3.59 mL·kg^-1·min^-1, 95% CI = 2.45 to 4.74, p < 0.001), and 20-meter sprint performance (MD = -0.35 s, 95% CI = -0.55 to -0.14, p = 0.001). Aerobic training had the highest probability of reducing waist circumference (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.60, 95% CI = -0.88 to -0.32, p < 0.001). Active video games emerged as a promising modality for improving countermovement jump (MD = 2.43 cm, 95% CI = 0.06 to 4.80, p = 0.041) and shuttle running performance (SMD = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.29 to 1.43, p = 0.003). Strength training was the best exercise mode for improving standing long jump performance (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.07 to 1.98, p = 0.035) while combined training was rated the first for decreasing body fat percent (MD = -2.56%, 95% CI = -4.73 to -0.40, p = 0.022) and increasing push-up repetitions (SMD = 3.59, 95% CI = 0.81 to 6.37, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

School-based exercise interventions have multiple effects on physical fitness. The findings of this study will help to inform physical education teachers and coaches how best to deliver exercise programs in a school setting. Since the study was limited by the original research, the conclusions will require further verification using high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, Identifier: CRD42023401963.

Effect of concurrent training on physical performance and quality of life in children with malignancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the intervention effect of concurrent training on children with malignant tumors to provide evidence for prescribing exercise for children with malignant tumors.

Methods

Twelve databases were searched from inception to October 15, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature, evaluated the quality, extracted the data, and performed the meta-analysis using R.

Result

A total of nine randomized controlled trials involving 371 children were included in this study. The meta-analysis revealed that muscle strength was significantly greater in the exercise group compared to the usual care group [SMD = 0.26, 95% CI (0.04, 0.48), P = 0.023], with subgroup analysis showing no significant difference in upper limb [SMD = 0.13, 95% CI (−0.17, 0.43), P = 0.318] and a considerable difference in lower limb strength [SMD = 0.41, 95% CI (0.08, 0.74), P = 0.015]. Physical activity [SMD = 0.57, 95% CI (0.03, 1.1), P = 0.038], timed up and down stairs test [SMD = −1.22, 95% CI (−2.04, −0.4), P = 0.004], 6-min walking ability [SMD = 0.75, 95% CI (0.38, 1.11), P &lt; 0.01], quality of life [SMD = 0.28, 95% CI (0.02, 0.53), P = 0.033], and cancer-related fatigue [SMD = −0.53, 95% CI (−0.86, −0.19), P = 0.002] were significantly better than the usual care group. There were no significant differences in peak oxygen uptake [SMD = 0.13, 95% CI (−0.18, 0.44), P = 0.397], depression [SMD = 0.06, 95% CI (−0.38, 0.5), P = 0.791], and withdrawal rates [RR = 0.59, 95% CI (0.21, 1.63), P = 0.308] between the two groups.

Conclusion

Concurrent training could improve physical performance for children with malignancy but had no significant effect on mental health. Because the quality level of evidence is mostly very low, future high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=364140, identifier CRD42022308176.

Combined training prescriptions for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, physical fitness, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials

Background

Improved physical fitness is important for preventing COVID-19-related mortality. So, combined training can effectively increase peak oxygen consumption, physical fitness, body composition, blood pressure, and the healthrelated characteristics of adults; however, its impact in the elderly remains unclear.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of combined training on older adults. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science) were searched (until April 2021) for randomized trials comparing the effect of combined training on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical fitness, body composition, blood pressure, and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults.

Results

Combined training significantly improved peak oxygen consumption compared to no exercise (WMD = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.83 to 3.37). Combined resistance and aerobic training induced favorable changes in physical fitness (timed up-and-go = -1.06, 30-s chair stand = 3.85, sit and reach = 4.43, 6-minute walking test = 39.22, arm curl = 4.60, grip strength = 3.65, 10-m walk = -0.47, maximum walking speed = 0.15, one-leg balance = 2.71), body composition (fat mass = -2.91, body fat% = -2.31, body mass index = -0.87, waist circumference = -2.91), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure = -8.11, diastolic blood pressure = -4.55), and cardiometabolic risk factors (glucose = -0.53, HOMA-IR = -0.14, high-density lipoprotein = 2.32, total cholesterol = -5.32) in older individuals. Finally, the optimal exercise prescription was ≥ 30 min/session × 50-80% VO2peak, ≥ 3 times/week for ≥ 12 weeks and resistance intensity 70-75% one-repetition maximum, 8-12 repetitions × 3 sets.

Conclusions

Combined training improved VO2peak and some cardiometabolic risk factors in older populations. The dose-effect relationship varied between different parameters. Exercise prescriptions must be formulated considering individual needs during exercise.

Resistance Training for Patients with Cancer: A Conceptual Framework for Maximizing Strength, Power, Functional Mobility, and Body Composition to Optimize Health and Outcomes

There are many benefits to the addition of exercise to cancer treatment and survivorship, particularly with resistance training regimens that target hypertrophy, bone mineral density, strength, functional mobility, and body composition. These goals are best achieved through a series of individualized high-intensity compound movements that mirror functional mobility patterns and sufficiently stress the musculoskeletal system. As a result of adequate stress, the body will engage compensatory cellular mechanisms that improve the structural integrity of bones and muscles, stimulate metabolism and the immune system, optimize functional performance, and minimize mechanical injury risk. The current evidence suggests that application of the above exercise principles, practiced in a safe environment under expert observation, may offer patients with cancer an effective means of improving overall health and cancer-specific outcomes. The following article poses several important questions certified exercise specialists and physicians should consider when prescribing resistance exercise for patients with cancer.

The effects of low-volume combined training on health-related physical fitness outcomes in active young adults. A controlled clinical trial

The effects of combined training (CT) on improving general health are well known, however, few studies have investigated the effects of low-volume CT. So, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of low-volume CT on body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and affective response (AR) to exercise. Eighteen healthy, active young adult man (mean ​± ​SD, [20.06 ± 1.66] years; [22.23 ± 2.76] ​kg/m²) performed either a low-volume CT (EG, n ​= ​9), or maintained a normal life (CG, n ​= ​9). The CT was composed of three resistance exercises followed by a high intensity-interval training (HIIT) on cycle ergometer performed twice a week. The measures of the body composition, HGS, maximal oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O_2max) and AR to exercise were taken at baseline and after training for analysis. Furthermore, an ANOVA test of repeated measures and t-test paired samples were used with a p ​≤ ​0.05. The results showed that EG improved HGS (pre: [45.67 ± 11.84] ​kg vs. post: [52.44 ± 11.90] ​kg, p ​< ​0.01) and V ˙ O_2max (pre: [41.36 ± 5.16] ​ml⋅kg^-1⋅min^-1 vs. post: [44.07 ± 5.98] ​ml⋅kg^-1⋅min^-1, p ​< ​0.01). Although, for all measures the body composition had not significant differences between weeks (p ​> ​0.05), nevertheless the feeling scale was positive in all weeks and without significant differences between them (p ​> ​0.05). Lastly, for active young adults, the low-volume CT improved HGS, CRF and had a positive outcome in AR, with less volume and time spent than traditional exercise recommendations.

Comparison of the Effect of Endurance, Strength and Endurance-Strength Training on Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis and the Lipid Profile of Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The most effective type of training to improve cardiometabolic parameters in overweight subjects is unknown. This meta-analysis compared the effect of endurance, strength and combined training on glucose, insulin metabolism and the lipid profile of overweight and obese adults. The Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched to identify randomised trials assessing the effect of training intervention on fasting and 2 h glucose and insulin levels, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA), C-peptide, total cholesterol (TC), low- (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides (TG). Forty-six studies were included showing that endurance training more favourably reduced HbA1c (p = 0.044), and LDL-C (p = 0.021) than strength training. Endurance-strength training more effectively decreased glucose (p = 0.002), HbA1c (p = 0.032), HOMA (p = 0.002), TC (p = 0.039), LDL-C (p = 0.046), HDL (p = 0.036) and TG levels (p = 0.025) than strength training. Combined training significantly reduced the HOMA index (p = 0.009) and TG levels (p = 0.039) compared with endurance training. Endurance and endurance-strength training have a more favourable effect on glucose and insulin homeostasis and lipid profile than strength training in overweight and obese adults. However, the results from this meta-analysis should be interpreted cautiously due to significant heterogeneity among included studies.

Exercise Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment Adults Older Than 60: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:

The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) continues to increase due to population aging. Exercise has been a supporting health strategy that may elicit beneficial effects on cognitive function and prevent dementia.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the effects of aerobic, resistance, and multimodal exercise training on cognition in adults aged > 60 years with MCI.

Methods:

We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases and ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov) up to November 2021, with no language restrictions. We included all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of exercise programs on cognitive function with any other active intervention or no intervention in participants with MCI aged > 60 years.

Results:

Twelve RCTs were included in this review. Meta-analysis results revealed significant improvements in resistance training on measures of executive function (p < 0.05) and attention (p < 0.05); no significant differences were observed between aerobic exercise and controls on any of the cognitive comparisons.

Conclusion:

Exercise training had a small beneficial effect on executive function and attention in older adults with MCI. Larger studies are required to examine the effects of exercise and the possible moderators.

Effect of Exercise Training on Body Composition and Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Objective

This study aimed to compare and rank the effectiveness of aerobic exercise (AE), resistance training (RT), combined aerobic and resistance training (CT), and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition and inflammatory cytokine levels in overweight and obese individuals by using network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of exercise training on inflammatory cytokines in overweight and obese patients. The retrieval period was from inception to November 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the retrieved articles, extracted the pertinent data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies; then, they used Stata 16.0 and Review Manager 5.3 to perform an NMA.

Results

A total of 38 studies involving 1317 patients were included in this study. The results of the NMA indicated that AE had the greatest effect on weight loss (SUCRA=78.3; SMD=−0.51, 95% CI: −0.70, −0.33); CT had the greatest effect on reducing body mass index (SUCRA=70.7; SMD=−0.46, 95% CI: −0.81, −0.10), waist circumference (SUCRA=93.4; SMD=−1.86, 95% CI: −2.80, −0.93), percentage body fat (SUCRA=79.6; SMD=−1.38, 95% CI: −2.29, −0.48), interleukin-6 level (SUCRA=86.4; SMD=−1.98, 95% CI: −3.87, −0.09), and tumor necrosis factor-α level (SUCRA=79.4; SMD=−2.08, 95% CI: −3.75, −0.42); AE (SMD=0.51, 95% CI: −1.68, 2.69), RT (SMD=0.15, 95% CI: −3.01, 3.32), CT (SMD=1.78, 95% CI: −1.35, 4.92), and HIIT (SMD=2.29, 95% CI: −1.27, 5.86) did not significantly increase the adiponectin level.

Conclusion

The current results suggest that CT is the best exercise modality for improving body composition and inflammatory status in overweight and obese individuals. More rigorous randomized control trials are needed for further validation.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022303165.

Comparison of the Effect of Endurance, Strength, and Endurance-Strength Training on Inflammatory Markers and Adipokines Levels in Overweight and Obese Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Trials

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the effects of endurance, strength, and combined training on inflammatory markers and adipokine concentrations in overweight and obese adults. We performed a literature search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and identified 24 randomised control trials published prior to June 2021. Our findings indicate that endurance training was significantly more beneficial than strength training in reducing C-reactive protein (CRP) (standard mean difference (SMD): −1.317, 95% confidence intervals (CI): −2.565, −0.070, p = 0.0385), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (SMD: −0.363, 95% CI: −0.648, −0.078, p = 0.0126), and visfatin (SMD: −0.618, 95% CI: −1.015, −0.222, p = 0.0023) concentrations. Moreover, combined training was more beneficial than strength training alone in lowering tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (SMD: 0.890, 95% CI: −0.301, 1.478, p = 0.0030). There were no differences between the effects of different types of training programmes on adiponectin and leptin concentrations. In conclusion, compared with strength training, endurance training is more effective in lowering CRP, IL-6, and visfatin concentrations, while combined training is more beneficial in reducing TNF-α levels in overweight and obese adults. Further studies are needed to determine which type of training has a better effect on adiponectin and leptin concentrations in this population.

Age and Training-Related Changes on Body Composition and Fitness in Male Amateur Cyclists

Master athletes are considered as a model of healthy aging because they can limit the age-related decline of physiological abilities compared to sedentary individuals. The main objective of this study is to analyze age-related changes and annual training on body composition (BC) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) parameters. The participants in this retrospective cross-sectional study were 176 male cyclists, aged 40-60 years. BC was evaluated through anthropometric measurements and CRF was determined by an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. A comparative study between age groups was carried out through a one-way ANOVA test and the associations between the variables were assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis to estimate the performance. Training was generally associated with a decrease in both body weight and body fat (p < 0.05). A decrease in resting heart rate was observed as a vagal effect of kilometers cycled per year (p < 0.05). Kilometers cycled per year were associated with an increase in peak power output, which was larger in the master 40 group (p < 0.05) with a non-significant upward in VO2max (p > 0.05). In the performance prediction model, the included variables explained 52% of the variance. In summary, the changes induced by age were minimal in BC and negligible in CRF, whereas HR decreased with age. Training load was generally associated with a decrease in body weight, BMI and body fat percentage that was particularly notable in the abdominal skin folds. A decrease in HRrest was observed as a vagal effect due to kilometers cycled per year, and age did not seem to have a significant effect. The annual cycling kilometers were associated with to high PPO that is greater in the M40 group and a non-significant upward trend in VO2max.

Physiological Changes and Pathological Pain Associated with Sedentary Lifestyle-Induced Body Systems Fat Accumulation and Their Modulation by Physical Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with overweight/obesity, which involves excessive fat body accumulation, triggering structural and functional changes in tissues, organs, and body systems. Research shows that this fat accumulation is responsible for several comorbidities, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic dysfunctions, as well as pathological pain behaviors. These health concerns are related to the crosstalk between adipose tissue and body systems, leading to pathophysiological changes to the latter. To deal with these health issues, it has been suggested that physical exercise may reverse part of these obesity-related pathologies by modulating the cross talk between the adipose tissue and body systems. In this context, this review was carried out to provide knowledge about (i) the structural and functional changes in tissues, organs, and body systems from accumulation of fat in obesity, emphasizing the crosstalk between fat and body tissues; (ii) the crosstalk between fat and body tissues triggering pain; and (iii) the effects of physical exercise on body tissues and organs in obese and non-obese subjects, and their impact on pathological pain. This information may help one to better understand this crosstalk and the factors involved, and it could be useful in designing more specific training interventions (according to the nature of the comorbidity).

The Effects of TRX Suspension Training Combined with Taurine Supplementation on Body Composition, Glycemic and Lipid Markers in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: We aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week total-body resistance exercise (TRX) suspension training intervention combined with taurine supplementation on body composition, blood glucose, and lipid markers in T2D females. Methods: Forty T2D middle-aged females (age: 53 ± 5 years, body mass = 84.3 ± 5.1 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups, TRX suspension training + placebo (TP; n = 10), TRX suspension training + taurine supplementation (TT; n = 10), taurine supplementation (T; n = 10), or control (C; n = 10). Body composition (body mass, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP)), blood glucose (fasting blood sugar (FBS)), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin, and Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid markers (low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC)) were evaluated prior to and after interventions. Results: All three interventions significantly decreased body mass, BMI, and BFP with no changes between them for body mass and BMI; however, BFP changes in the TT group were significantly greater than all other groups. FBS was significantly reduced in TP and TT. Insulin concentrations’ decrement were significantly greater in all experimental groups compared to C; however, no between group differences were observed between TT, TP, and T. In regards to HOMA-IR, decreases in TT were significantly greater than all other groups TG, HbA1c, and LDL were reduced following all interventions. HDL values significantly increased only in the TT group, while TC significantly decreased in TP and TT groups. Changes in HbA1c, TG, HDL, and TC were significantly greater in the TT compared to all other groups. Conclusions: TRX training improved glycemic and lipid profiles, while taurine supplementation alone failed to show hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Notably, the synergic effects of TRX training and taurine supplementation were shown in HbA1c, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, HDL, and BFP changes. Our outcomes suggest that TRX training + taurine supplementation may be an effective adjuvant therapy in individuals with T2D.

Daily Step Count and All-Cause Mortality: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Uncertainty remains about the optimum step count per day for health promotion.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the association between step count per day and all-cause mortality risk.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science were searched to January 2021 to find prospective cohort studies of the association between device-based step count per day and all-cause mortality risk in the general population. Two reviewers extracted data in duplicate and rated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Study-specific hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Seven prospective cohort studies with 175,370 person-years and 2310 cases of all-cause mortality were included. The HR for each 1000 steps per day was 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.93; I² = 79%, n = 7) in the overall analysis, 0.87 (95% CI 0.78-0.97; I² = 59%, n = 3) in adults older than 70 years, and 0.92 (95% CI 0.89-0.95; I² = 37%, n = 2) in studies controlled for step intensity. Dose-response meta-analysis indicated a strong inverse association, wherein the risk decreased linearly from 2700 to17,000 steps per day. The HR for 10,000 steps per day was 0.44 (95% CI 0.31-0.63). The certainty of evidence was rated strong due to upgrades for large effect size and dose-response gradient.

CONCLUSIONS

Even a modest increase in steps per day may be associated with a lower risk of death. These results can be used to develop simple, efficient and easy-to-understand public health messages.

Impact of different training modalities on anthropometric outcomes in patients with obesity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Obesity management guidelines consistently advise aerobic training for weight loss, whereas recommendations for other training modalities are sparse. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the long-term effects of different training modalities on anthropometric outcomes in patients with obesity. MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched to identify the following: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs); (2) conducted in adults with a mean body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² ; (3) comparing aerobic, resistance, combined, or high-intensity interval training head-to-head or to control for ≥6 months; and (4) reporting changes in body weight (BW), BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), or fat-free mass (FFM). Random-effects NMA models were fitted in a frequentist approach. GRADE framework was used to assess certainty of evidence. Thirty-two RCTs with 4774 participants with obesity were included in this review. Aerobic training was ranked as best for improving BW, BMI, and WC and combined training for improving FM, as well as equally with resistance training most effective for improving FFM. Low to moderate certainty of evidence supports use of aerobic training to improve anthropometric outcomes in obesity, and its combination with resistance training provides additional benefit for reducing FM and increasing FFM.

Age-Related Decline in Vertical Jumping Performance in Masters Track and Field Athletes: Concomitant Influence of Body Composition

Vertical jumping power declines with advancing age, which is theoretically explicable by loss of muscle mass and increases in body fat. However, the results of previous cross-sectional studies remain inconsistent on these relationships. The present study included 256 masters athletes who competed at the 2018 track and field world championships in Málaga, Spain. We assessed body composition with bioelectrical impedance (Inbody S10) and vertical jumping power with a Leonardo ground reaction force platform. Relationships between age, jumping power, and body composition were analyzed by correlation and regression analyses. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate effects of each factor on vertical jumping power. Age-related rates of decreases in maximal power and jump height were similar between male and female athletes. Percent fat-free mass and percent body fat were negatively and positively, respectively, associated with age in masters athletes and were comparable to those previously observed in the general population. Moreover, these effects in body composition can, to a great extent, explain the age-related decline in jumping power, an effect that seems at least partly independent of age. Finally, the multiple regression model to determine independent predictors of vertical jump performance yielded an overall R² value of 0.75 with the inclusion of (1) athletic specialization in power events, (2) percent fat-free mass, and (3) phase angle. However, partial regression yielded significant effects of age, but not gender, on peak power, even when adjusting for athletic specialization, percent fat-free mass, and phase angle. We concluded that loss of skeletal muscle mass and changes in bio-impedance phase angle are important contributors to the age-related reduction in anaerobic power, even in adults who maintain high levels of physical activity into old age. However, age per se remains a significant predictor of vertical jump performance, further demonstrating deteriorated muscle quality at old age (sarcosthenia).